Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi archives
Kasaragod: The India Meteorological Department has informed that the state has received record rainfall in the month of January, the highest in over 145 years. From January 1 to 16, Kerala recorded 102.2 mm rainfall. As per the reports available since 1876, this is the first time the rainfall in January recorded over 100 mm.
The highest rainfall recorded till date was in 1943 January with 83.4 mm. In 1934 it was 74.5 mm, in 1985 it was 61.2 mm, in 1909 it was 54.1 mm, in 1948 and 1919 it was 43 mm.
This year, 6 districts received over 100 mm rainfall in January with Pathanamthitta recording the highest of 232.3 mm. Kozhikode received 164.4 mm, Kottayam 139.7 mm, Ernakulam 135.1 mm, Idukki 115.3 mm and Kasaragod 108.3 mm rainfall in January 2021.
The unprecedented January rain is attributed to the continuous strengthening of the northern wind, the La Nina phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean and the sustained easterly flows over the Bay of Bengal amplified by Madden-Julian Oscillation wave transiting the Indian Ocean, said weather expert Rajeevan Erikulam.
According to IMD, the intensity of the rain may decrease by Sunday and recede completely by Tuesday.
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